STONE OF HEAVEN

As early as the Neolithic period, approximately 6000 BC, the ancient Chinese people have acknowledged this gemstone for its unique beauty and great durability.

For thousands of years in China, jade has been known as the stone of heaven. Jade’s hardness and elegance have lent itself to tool making, weapon craft, and objects of art.

In Chinese calligraphy, the character for emperor “王”, shares the same character for jade “玉”, and have remained so since the Qin Dynasty. By 3000 BC, jade became the sole gemstone for the royal families.

Ancient Chinese emperors were known as the sons of god. Jade seals have been used by the Chinese imperial dynasties since the Qin Dynasty (221BC – 206BC). The seals are national treasures as they symbolize the proud history of the empire.

Xu Shen, from the Eastern Han Dynasty (206BC – 210AD) elaborates on the five virtues of jade in his work ‘Shuowen Jiezi’: benevolence, honesty, wisdom, integrity and bravery.

Contemporary jade carvings are exquisite works of art. The jade is adorned with intricate designs by skilled craftsmen.